Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "all the earth" isn't just about geography; it signifies a radical inclusivity, a joyful summons that breaks down all national and ethnic barriers to worship the one Creator. This psalm declares that God's praise isn't meant to be confined to one people but is a universal invitation for all humanity to acknowledge Him as King.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with a powerful, trumpet-like call for all of creation to burst forth in joyful praise to God, not just one nation. It sets the stage for a universal worship, extending beyond Israel to all the earth, envisioning a future where everyone recognizes God as King and Creator and joins in thankful service. The verses that follow will expand on why all people should praise Him and how they should approach His presence with gladness and thanksgiving.
This isn't just a call for a select few, but for everyone, everywhere. What does it mean for praise to be a global event?
Psalm 100:1 rings out with a command directed not just to Israel, but to 'all the earth.' This powerful invitation is echoed throughout Scripture, pointing towards a time when God's praise would transcend national and ethnic boundaries. It signifies a unity in worship, a recognition that the Creator of all deserves adoration from all His creation. This isn't about a single style of worship, but a shared heart of joy and recognition of God's sovereignty that spans the globe.
What does 'make a joyful noise' actually sound like? It’s more than just noise; it’s a deliberate expression of delight.
The phrase 'make a joyful noise' isn't a quiet whisper; it's a vibrant, often loud, expression of celebration and victory. Think of shouts of acclamation, the blast of trumpets, or enthusiastic singing. It's an outward and audible demonstration of inner joy and gladness. This command calls us to actively express our delight in God, using whatever means are appropriate, whether it's singing, clapping, or even shouting His praises. It's about letting our hearts overflow in audible praise.
Why should 'all the earth' praise the Lord? This psalm grounds our joy in who God is and what He has done.
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While Psalm 100:1 is a universal call, the reasons for this praise are rooted in God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. Later verses in this psalm reveal God as our Creator and Shepherd. This foundational understanding—that God made us and sustains us—is the bedrock of our praise. Even when we face challenges, remembering who God is in Himself and what He has done for us provides an inexhaustible wellspring of joy. Our praise isn't arbitrary; it’s a response to His revealed nature and His faithfulness.
Understand the original words
rua' · Hebrew Verb
A loud, exuberant shout or cry, often associated with a trumpet blast or the acclamation of a king, expressing triumph or joyful worship.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of the one true God of Israel, YHWH, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and personal relationship with His people.
This verse serves as a direct precursor and parallel, calling the people to 'come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!' This echoes the same theme of joyful praise to God.
Psalms 98:4This passage provides a similar call to universal praise, stating, 'Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!' highlighting the expansive nature of God's worship.
Isaiah 49:6This prophetic passage speaks of the Messiah's mission to restore Israel and be a light to the nations, pointing towards the future fulfillment when 'all the earth' will indeed call out to the Lord in worship.
Luke 2:10-14The announcement of Jesus' birth by the angels to shepherds—'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'—introduces the universal joy and worship that the coming of Christ brings to all people.
Revelation 5:13This vision of the redeemed in heaven provides a glimpse of the ultimate fulfillment of Psalms 100:1, where every created thing in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea is heard saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever!'
bensonPsalms 100:1: "A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands."
Psalm 100:1-2 . Make a joyful noise unto the Lord — Partly, with voices, and songs of rejoicings, and thanksgiving; and partly with musical instruments, as the manner then was; all ye lands — That is, all the inhabitants of the earth. When all nations shall be discipled, and the gospel preached to every creature, then this summons will be fully obeyed. Serve the Lord with gladness — Devote yourselves to, and emp…
pulpitPsalms 100:1: "<> Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands."
Verse 1. - Make a joyful noise unto the Lord (comp. Psalm 95:1, 2, and the comment ad loc.). All ye lands; literally, all the earth.
The phrase "all the earth" isn't just about geography; it signifies a radical inclusivity, a joyful summons that breaks down all national and ethnic barriers to worship the one Creator. This psalm declares that God's praise isn't meant to be confined to one people but is a universal invitation for all humanity to acknowledge Him as King.
This psalm opens with a powerful, trumpet-like call for all of creation to burst forth in joyful praise to God, not just one nation. It sets the stage for a universal worship, extending beyond Israel to all the earth, envisioning a future where everyone recognizes God as King and Creator and joins in thankful service. The verses that follow will expand on why all people should praise Him and how they should approach His presence with gladness and thanksgiving.
This psalm opens with a powerful, trumpet-like call for all of creation to burst forth in joyful praise to God, not just one nation. It sets the stage for a universal worship, extending beyond Israel to all the earth, envisioning a future where everyone recognizes God as King and Creator and joins in thankful service. The verses that follow will expand on why all people should praise Him and how they should approach His presence with gladness and thanksgiving.
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!" — The phrase "all the earth" isn't just about geography; it signifies a radical inclusivity, a joyful summons that breaks down all national and ethnic barriers to worship the one Creator. This psalm de…
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Last reviewed October 2026